The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) will continue its operations for activities under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) in the coming weeks following the "new normal" protocols.

Shortly after the first RCEF anniversary celebration held last March 5 in Pangasinan, some activities were halted due to the implementation of community quarantine across the nation starting in the second half of March.

The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) harnesses the power of the internet and the radio to provide alternative learning opportunities to the public as the community quarantine continues by launching skills development activities online and on air.

With the boom in information and communications technology (ICT) services in today’s “new normal,” the ATI maximizes the use of digital and online tools to cater to the needs of the clientele and, at the same time, support the ongoing programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on food security.

DILIMAN, Quezon City—To digitally innovate ways in responding to farmers’ information needs and complaints, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recently launched the Fisheries and Agriculture Response Management (FARM) Citizens Application.

The FARM App is a 24/7 online-based help desk developed in coordination with key agencies and bureaus of the Department. It aims to address questions and concerns from farmers, particularly on plant and animal disease management, through chat or live messaging feature.

BUTUAN City, Agusan del Norte—The electronic learning or e-Learning program of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) exemplified yet again the government’s initiatives in terms of information and communications technology (ICT) in agriculture and fisheries during the 14th National eLearning Conference (NeLC).

ATI Officer-in-Charge Director Luz Taposok, who keynoted the conference, shared the evolution, accomplishments, and further improvements for the e-Learning program as it reached its 10th year.

BAGUIO CITY, Benguet – The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) are now laying the groundwork for the upcoming turnover of the Rice Crop Manager (RCM) to the Department by 2020.

MALVAR, Batangas – From when it was launched in 2007, the electronic extension (e-Extension) Program has undergone rigorous refining processes through years of trying and testing as it continued to cleave to its purpose: to bring agriculture and fisheries extension to new heights through information and communications technology (ICT).